Awake face surgery
Awake Earlobe Repair in Ottawa
Earlobe repair mends torn or stretched earlobes from earrings or injury. It is a short procedure performed awake under local anesthesia.
Earlobe Repair at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 15 to 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | A classic awake procedure |
| Typical return to desk work | Back to normal activity right away |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is earlobe repair?
The torn or stretched tissue is trimmed and carefully repaired with fine stitches. In many cases, ears can be re-pierced after healing.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with split or stretched earlobes
- Those who want to re-wear earrings
Why awake earlobe repair may work
A small repair on the earlobe needs only local anesthesia. You stay awake, avoid sedation or general anesthesia, and leave soon after.
When awake may not be the right choice
Very large defects or reconstruction may need a different plan.
Your awake earlobe repair journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We examine the lobe and discuss options for re-piercing.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
The earlobe is numbed with a tiny injection, then the repair is performed.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Mild tenderness. |
| Week 1 to 2 | Sutures removed. |
| Weeks 4 to 8 | Wait before re-piercing, as advised. |
| Months 2 to 3 | Scar softens. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Non-surgical options such as wearing lighter earrings, or no treatment.
Risks
Notching, scar visibility, infection, keloid scarring in prone individuals, and need for revision.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake earlobe repair
How soon can I get re-pierced?
Often after a number of weeks. We advise.
Can both ears be done?
Yes, same visit.
Does it hurt?
A small injection stings briefly.
Will it hold?
Usually yes, but heavy earrings can re-stretch.
Related procedures
Starting from $1,500 (CAD, before 13% HST), including surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees. Your written quote follows your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
Evidence note: published studies specific to this procedure under awake or local anesthesia are limited. The approach described here follows general principles of local anesthesia and is individualized to each patient. General references on local anesthetic safety are listed below.
References
- Conroy PH, O'Rourke J. Tumescent anaesthesia. Surgeon. 2013;11(4):210-221. PMID 23375489
- Dillane D, Finucane BT. Local anesthetic systemic toxicity. Can J Anaesth. 2010;57(4):368-380. PMID 20151342